Empros
Encyclopedia
Empros is the fourth studio album by the American rock band Russian Circles
. The album was released on October 25, 2011 through Sargent House
. This is Russian Circles' first album released solely through Sargent House. For the group's first three albums, Sargent House released limited edition vinyl copies, while CD and digital copies were handled by Suicide Squeeze Records
or Flameshovel Records
.
Russian Circles began writing Empros in January 2011. In April 2011, the group entered Phantom Manor studios in Chicago, Illinois with producer
Brandon Curtis
of The Secret Machines
and Interpol
, who also previously produced the group's 2009 album Geneva
. Bassist Brian Cook
described the band's mindset for creating Empros as trying to "make the same ebb and flow of our live set happen on the record, with more constructive dynamics and dramatic bridging between songs." The album was also described in a press release from Sargent House as being Russian Circles' heaviest album to date.
On September 28, 2011 the song "Mládek" was made available for online streaming and free download. The title of the song was named after Tomas Mládek, Russian Circles' European tour bus driver. So far the album has been well received by critics, earning a 7/10 from Spin
, who writes, "Though crunching at their heaviest, the band still shines brightest when they edge toward indie-rock approachability."
On the digital version, "Batu" spans 10:06 with a drone transition.
Russian Circles
Additional musicians
Production and recording
Artwork and design
Russian Circles
Russian Circles is a three piece instrumental rock/metal band from Chicago. Russian Circles play instrumental, sprawling music which runs the gamut of heavy discordant metal, to soft delicate passages...
. The album was released on October 25, 2011 through Sargent House
Sargent House
Sargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
. This is Russian Circles' first album released solely through Sargent House. For the group's first three albums, Sargent House released limited edition vinyl copies, while CD and digital copies were handled by Suicide Squeeze Records
Suicide Squeeze Records
Suicide Squeeze Records is a Seattle, WA - based independent record label that presses a significant number of 7" vinyl singles in addition to the more prevalent compact discs. The label was started in August 1996 with the release of a 7" single from 764-Hero. The label quickly grew from owner...
or Flameshovel Records
Flameshovel Records
Flameshovel Records is a record label from Chicago, Illinois formed in the summer of 2000. Founded by Jesse Woghin and long time friend Nash Grey, the duo were later joined by James Kenler...
.
Russian Circles began writing Empros in January 2011. In April 2011, the group entered Phantom Manor studios in Chicago, Illinois with producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
Brandon Curtis
Brandon Curtis
Brandon Curtis is the vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the rock band The Secret Machines. Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, he was friends with Tim, Mark, and Brian of Tripping Daisy, as well as members of The Flaming Lips and The Chainsaw Kittens. Brandon and his brother Benjamin moved to...
of The Secret Machines
The Secret Machines
The Secret Machines are a three-piece American alternative rock band. Originally from Dallas, Texas before moving to New York City, they describe their band as space rock. The original lineup consisted of two brothers, Brandon and Benjamin Curtis, and Josh Garza...
and Interpol
Interpol (band)
Interpol is an American indie rock and post-punk revival band from New York City. Formed in 1997, the band's original line-up consisted of Paul Banks , Daniel Kessler , Carlos Dengler and Greg Drudy . Drudy left the band in 2000 and was replaced by Sam Fogarino...
, who also previously produced the group's 2009 album Geneva
Geneva (Russian Circles album)
-Personnel:* Mike Sullivan − guitar* Dave Turncrantz − drums* Brian Cook − bass guitar* Alison Chesley − cello* Susan Voelz − violin* Greg Norman − engineering, trumpet, trombone* Brandon Curtis − production, additional piano* Joe Lambert − mastering...
. Bassist Brian Cook
Brian Cook (musician)
Brian Cook is an American bass guitarist currently in the band Russian Circles. He was also previously a full-time member of Botch, These Arms Are Snakes and Roy, and also a session musician for Mouth of the Architect...
described the band's mindset for creating Empros as trying to "make the same ebb and flow of our live set happen on the record, with more constructive dynamics and dramatic bridging between songs." The album was also described in a press release from Sargent House as being Russian Circles' heaviest album to date.
On September 28, 2011 the song "Mládek" was made available for online streaming and free download. The title of the song was named after Tomas Mládek, Russian Circles' European tour bus driver. So far the album has been well received by critics, earning a 7/10 from Spin
Spin (magazine)
Spin is a music magazine founded in 1985 by publisher Bob Guccione Jr.-History:In its early years, the magazine was noted for its broad music coverage with an emphasis on college-oriented rock music and on the ongoing emergence of hip-hop. The magazine was eclectic and bold, if sometimes haphazard...
, who writes, "Though crunching at their heaviest, the band still shines brightest when they edge toward indie-rock approachability."
Track listing
- "309" – 8:50
- "Mládek" – 7:40
- "Schipol" – 6:16
- "Atackla" – 7:27
- "Batu" – 6:17
- "Praise Be Man" – 4:35
On the digital version, "Batu" spans 10:06 with a drone transition.
Personnel
Empros personnel adapted from Allmusic.Russian Circles
- Brian CookBrian Cook (musician)Brian Cook is an American bass guitarist currently in the band Russian Circles. He was also previously a full-time member of Botch, These Arms Are Snakes and Roy, and also a session musician for Mouth of the Architect...
− bass guitar - Mike Sullivan − guitar
- Dave Turncrantz − drums
Additional musicians
- Phil Karnats − accordion, cello
Production and recording
- Brandon CurtisBrandon CurtisBrandon Curtis is the vocalist, bassist, and keyboardist for the rock band The Secret Machines. Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, he was friends with Tim, Mark, and Brian of Tripping Daisy, as well as members of The Flaming Lips and The Chainsaw Kittens. Brandon and his brother Benjamin moved to...
− production, engineering, mixing - Joe Lambert − mastering
- Mike Lust − engineering
- Russian Circles − production
Artwork and design
- Sonny Kay − album layout
- Dave Turncrantz − album photo